Overview

• Carlos Sainz, Jr. was fined 20,000 euros, with half suspended, for arriving late to the Japanese national anthem at the Suzuka Grand Prix, citing a stomach issue as the cause.
• While defending his lateness during a Bahrain Grand Prix press conference, Sainz used profane language, potentially violating stricter FIA rules on swearing introduced this year.
• The FIA delegate confirmed that Sainz's comments are under review and may lead to an additional fine, with a first offense under the new rules carrying a 40,000-euro penalty.
• Sainz, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, has been critical of the FIA's increased enforcement of language regulations, reflecting broader tensions between drivers and the governing body.
• The FIA disputed Sainz's claim of being only five seconds late to the anthem, stating he was seen running down the pitlane as it played.